Trace Creek Construction Completes Lexington Veterans Affairs Hospital Addition

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Aug. 28, 2018 - PRLog -- Respected Vanceburg-based general contracting firm Trace Creek Construction has completed an $8.5-million addition to the VA Medical Center. Trace Creek acted as a teaming partner with Semper-Tek, a general contractor and construction management firm that specializes in federal building projects. Award-winning architectural firm John Poe Architects out of Miamisburg, Ohio, rounded out the team.

The project entailed adding a 25,500-square-foot fifth floor to the existing medical center using structural steel, cast-in-place concrete, structural metal studs, masonry brick, and metal wall panel siding. The building's new floor houses executive offices and meeting spaces for the medical center.

The main lobby elevators were extended to the new fifth floor by extending the elevator penthouse, which is home to the new elevator's electric winches and control panels. The stairwell was also extended to the additional floor.

During construction, the elevators were removed from service and stored in another location and the existing elevator penthouse was demolished. While a new elevator penthouse was built and installed, crews applied extra safety methods to protect hospital employees and patients from injury and to protect exposed elevator shafts from the weather.

The biggest challenge faced by construction crews was working inside a fully operational hospital. Workers carefully followed extensive health and safety protocols to keep noise, dust, and airborne particles to a minimum so that patient care wasn't affected by the construction process.

Another challenge was limited storage space. Construction materials were delivered by a tower crane, which also carried debris away from the fifth-floor worksite. Delivery of all materials was meticulously scheduled to coincide with the crane's availability.

"We were honored to partner with Semper-Tek on this meaningful project," said Trace Creek President David West. "They have an outstanding reputation in the community, and Trace Creek was pleased to provide construction services for the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

"Rather than construct a new building offsite," added West, "it made sense to simply add a floor to the existing medical center. This way, all of the hospital's personnel and services are under one roof, making it more convenient for both patients and staff."

About Trace Creek

Trace Creek Construction, Inc., is a Kentucky-based contractor that performs construction-related services from offices in Vanceburg, Lewis County, Kentucky. With more than 25 years of experience, Trace Creek specializes in construction management, design/build and general contracting. Trace Creek's operating philosophy—"Your job is our reputation"—infuses all aspects of their work, and their innovative construction approach is based upon the careful planning and execution of projects that perfectly meet their client's needs and budgets.

Visit Trace Creek online at http://tracecreek.net/